David Amerson’s Ready to Show Raiders He Was Worth It

After the first two games of the 2015 season, the Washington Redskins had decided they were done. They had drafted former NC State cornerback David Amerson with the 51st pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, and after a promising rookie season, his sophomore campaign was one of the worst one’s recorded by a corner in the NFL in 2014. After being waived on September 21st of last season, the Oakland Raiders were quick to pick him up, and they were rewarded for their quick reflexes.

Amerson didn’t miss a game after being waived, and eventually started in 12 of the 14 games that he played for the Raiders last season. What did Amerson manage to do in those 12 starts last season for the Silver & Black? He managed to show that he was worth being drafted with the 51st pick of the 2013 NFL Draft. Amerson set the franchise record for pass deflections in a season with 26, and picked off 4 passes which was good for second on the team.

I had a lot of growing up to do,” Amerson told Raiders.com. “When I was in Washington – I came into the league, I was 21. I was still a kid. I really didn’t understand how to be a professional yet, and there was a lot of things I had to learn, and I was going through that growing process.

“With something happening like me getting released, I was almost forced to [grow up]. It was almost do-or-die. It’s all-or-nothing. I have to make it my time now and shine, or I can possibly be out of the league. My back was against the wall and it was almost like I had to perform.” (CBS)

Amerson grew up, and he grew up fast in Oakland, and this summer he was rewarded for his maturation. On July 15th, the Raiders signed a 4-year $38 million contract extension with Amerson, with $18 million of it guaranteed.

At NC State Amerson earned 1st team All-American honors as a Sophomore, after recording a school and ACC record, 13 interceptions. He obviously earned 1st Team All-ACC honors that year, and 2nd team honors the next year. Amerson holds the NC State record for interceptions in a season (13) and in a career (18).